Supporting Refugee and Asylum Seeker pupils

Globally there are over 25 million refugees. Coventry continues to live up to its City of Sanctuary title and we welcome a significant number of pupils from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and several African countries.

Whilst schools might worry about meeting the distinct needs of asylum seeking and refugee children, not all children who have experienced armed conflict and flight will suffer from trauma and stress. There are, however, key factors that lead to these pupils being some of our most vulnerable:

• About half of the world’s refugees are children who are often very vulnerable. They are five times more likely to have been out of school
• Living with a parent or guardian who has also experienced, or is experiencing, stress and trauma.
• If still an asylum-seeker, living in an uncertain situation (not knowing if one will stay in the country).
• Living in a challenging financial situation which adds more stress to their life.
• Living in a new place where community and social networks may be new or limited
• Having experienced multiple traumas or stress (violence in their country of origin, losing a loved one, a stressful journey to a safe place).

Many refugee children display amazing resilience and respond positively to effective school and social care support.

Things to consider for refugee children in your classroom:

• Help to stabilise students or children struggling with trauma and stress by creating a reliable, daily, transparent timetable or rhythm during the school days.
• Encourage a sense of belonging and feelings of safety and security by creating welcoming, parting and acknowledgement rituals.
• Increase student’s self-confidence by encouraging participation.

School and most importantly the relationships formed at school can be an incredibly stabilising, positive and nurturing experience in a child’s life, which can help them move on from more challenging times. Paired with supportive help at home or in out-of-school life from parents, siblings, other family members and guardians, many children and students will overcome the challenges they are experiencing without additional help.

Further advice and support

• EMAS advisory teachers can provide CPD, tips and advice to teachers on how to successfully include children and students who suffer from stress and trauma in their classrooms.
• Multilingual classroom assistants (MLAs) are available to support school staff in settling and welcoming refugee children.
• We can also advise on access to additional mental health support.
• Refugee pupils who have entered the UK through particular refugee schemes may be entitled to additional funded support from EMAS.
• EMAS advisory staff can support your journey in applying to become a School of Sanctuary.
• The Coventry City Council Migration Team website gives further information on support for refugee and asylum-seeking families.
• The Welcome to Coventry website details services available in Coventry for refugee and asylum-seeking families.